Land Claims
Since 1987 The CMM has investigated Aboriginal land claims for member First Nations communities. The Lands Research Program currently conducts two types of land claims: Specific Land Claims and Comprehensive Land Claims.

Specific Land Claims arise when the federal government fails to act according to Treaty, or other legal requirements. Specific Land Claims also occur when the administration of lands or other related assets under the responsibility of the Indian Act are mismanaged. The Lands Research program investigates Specific Land Claims for The CMM's member communities. To date, more than 110 claims have been researched.

Comprehensive Land Claims are based on underlying Aboriginal Title to traditional Mi'kmaq territory within the province of Nova Scotia. Comprehensive Land Claims involve issues of jurisdiction and ownership of rights with respect to land, hunting, fishing, trapping as well as other economical and social benefits.

The CMM research unit contributed to the supporting documentations used as the basis for the Donald Marshall case that reinstates the Mi'kmaq right to the commercial fishery.

Collections
The Research Department has an exceptional collection of Mi'kmaq historical documents. This collection is known as one of the best resources for Mi'kmaw research. All materials are located at The CMM's main office in Millbrook. The database is accessible to interested parties for a small fee. The Research Program has access to resources such as:

If you have any inquiries concerning Land Claims or any of the above materials, please contact The CMM’s Research Manager at (902) 895-6385